The German labour market is also open to professional athletes from abroad. You can find out whether you need a visa to enter or a permit to stay in Germany in the section "Who needs a visa"?
What requirements do you have to meet for the visa to take up employment as a professional athlete?
Athletes or coaches who need a visa or residence permit must fulfil the following conditions:
- The athlete or coach must be at least 16 years of age and is intended to practice their profession in a German sports club or comparable sports establishment, provided that the establishment participates in competitive sports.
- The sports club or establishment pays the athlete or coach sufficiently in order for them to cover their living costs (at least 50 percent of the income threshold of the statutory pension insurance).
- The responsible central association for the sport and the German Sports Federation by mutual agreement confirm the athlete’s athletic qualification or the coach’s professional competence.
